Coast Guard, D.C. agencies respond to Potomac River sheen

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard and D.C.’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) have coordinated to respond to reports of oil sheen in Oxon Cove, along the Potomac River on Wednesday.

The first report of the sheen came at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, followed by additional reports attributed to the same sheen.

Preliminary investigation has identified a discharge from a storm drain outfall in Oxon Cove. Sorbent boom and sorbent sweeps have been placed in this location to contain and recover the product found around the outfall.

The unified response has included boat and landside patrols as the investigation of the source continues. The Coast Guard has assumed the role of Federal On-Scene Coordinator to access the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

“I am very appreciative of the federal, state and local team efforts in this unified response to mitigate and eliminate the discharge in the water,” said Capt. Lonnie P. Harrison, commander, Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region. “The pre-built relationships and ease of working together as a team has come to fruition and is evident in the immediate response efforts at hand.”